NFL Insider: Steelers Landing Davante Adams "Down The Road" Still A Likely Scenario

The Pittsburgh Steelers' roster looks the best it has going into a season over the last several years. General Manager Omar Khan and Assistant General Manager Andy Weidl have done a fantastic job through free agency, the draft, and making the necessary trades to set the team up for success. However, one hole on the roster looms large: receiving help outside of George Pickens. 

Pittsburgh has been connected to rumors involving the San Francisco 49ers and Brandon Aiyuk since the new league year began in March. Aiyuk officially requested a trade on Tuesday, so that remains a possibility. Another option that is on the horizon is three-time All-Pro, Davante Adams. During an appearance on The Jason Smith Show on Thursday, NFL insider Jason La Canfora discussed how the Steelers are clearly preparing to add a big name receiver.

"The Steelers are going to get another receiver. Whether it's Brandon Aiyuk, whether it's the Davante Adams scenario down the road. Whether it's something else. I know they've budgeted in a way that they feel like they can execute one more big swing there."

Adams has been in the headlines a ton over the past week, mostly in trade rumors. He has dispelled those trade rumors, along with his agent. Both have stated consistently that Adams is currently happy with the Las Vegas Raiders, and doesn't desire a trade. Despite the clear intent to stay with Las Vegas for the 2024 season, a lot can change before the regular season kicks off in September.

The news around Adams initially sparked when trade rumors of him to the New York Jets began. If he does become available via trade, Adams to the Jets would be the most talked about landing spot. It would reunite him with his quarterback Aaron Rodgers and his former Offensive Coordinator, Nathaniel Hackett. Pittsburgh should also check in with the Raiders if he becomes available, as Adams' talent is unquestioned and he would be a good veteran voice for Pickens.

Aiyuk and the 49ers have not gotten any closer to getting an extension done, and the receiver is clearly frustrated with the organization. He requested a trade, but that doesn't mean it will happen. San Francisco has all of the leverage, as he is under contract for the 2024 season and they will have the option to franchise tag him in 2025. They went through a similar situation with Deebo Samuel when he requested a trade, but they eventually resolved the situation and came to an agreement.

Pittsburgh has cleared up the necessary cap space to make a move of this magnitude, and they did it by restructuring Alex Highsmith's contract. The Steelers have nearly $16 million in cap space, which could grow even larger with another restructure. They don't need to spend it ahead of the 2024 season, but they have given themselves the freedom to make a splash move.

Steelers Other External Options At Wide Receiver

Acquiring either Aiyuk or Adams would be a major commitment, both financially and in terms of draft capital. There are a few other options that could be considered safer that should still improve the Steelers' receiving core. Courtland Sutton is another receiver that could be traded, and he was one of Russell Wilson's favorite targets with the Denver Broncos. 

Another avenue for the Steelers to consider when it comes to adding help at receiver is through free agency. At this point in the offseason, the market is pretty slim, but there are still some decent options available. Hunter Renfrow and Michael Thomas headline the names of those who are still available, while Russell Gage would also be an interesting idea. These are good, low-risk options for Pittsburgh. All three should be relatively cheap, but can't be relied upon to make an impact like Aiyuk or Adams would.

What do you think about the Steelers pursuing another wide receiver? Let us know in the comments below!

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